Taxonomy

Phylum:

Rhodophyta

Subphylum:

Eurhodophytina

Class:

Florideophyceae

Subclass:

Rhodymeniophycidae

Order:

Peyssonneliales

Family:

Peyssonneliaceae

Genus:

Sonderopelta

Species:

coriacea

General Description

Thick flattened alga radiating from attachment point made up of a short stem (stipe) and fibrous roots (rhizoids). Main part of alga (thallus) is of a simple or split lobed form. Dark red on top with furry white projections (forming rhizoids) on under-surface. Up to 20 cm long (thallus).

Biology

This rounded, flat seaweed can be locally abundant in caverns and deeper waters.